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EASTCONN Student Named 2019 CAACE Adult Education Learner of the Year

Willimantic, CT -- EASTCONN’s Adult Education Program is proud to announce that one of its students has been named the 2019 Connecticut Association for Adults and Continuing Education (CAACE) Adult Education Learner of the Year.

This statewide award recognizes Evan Donlon’s outstanding performance as an adult education student at EASTCONN. Donlon will be honored at the CAACE Conference Awards Luncheon at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton, Conn., on Fri., March 29, 2019.

“The EASTCONN community is very proud of Evan’s many accomplishments, as well as his determination and hard work, making him the perfect choice for this year’s CAACE Learner of the Year award,” said Richard Tariff, Director of EASTCONN’s Adult and Community Education Programs. “Evan is a great role model for his peers.”

Donlon, who lives in Danielson, earned his high school diploma from EASTCONN’s Adult Education GED program in 2018. From among dozens of statewide applications, his stood out as being exceptional, according to Tariff. In spite of an injury, work-related challenges, academic set-backs and the responsibilities associated with managing a small business, Donlon persevered, returning again and again to work with EASTCONN Adult Education teachers toward his GED goal. Teachers observed that along the way, Donlon provided a spark of inspiration in the classroom, and always encouraged his fellow students to stay on track. CAACE will provide Donlon with a scholarship to continue his learning.

“Evan’s enthusiasm for learning and success was always evident,” said Melanie V. Rovero, Ph.D., a school counselor at EASTCONN. “He came to class with a positive attitude that was contagious. Evan was always quick to offer help and encouragement to his classmates, regardless of his own full schedule. We extend our congratulations to Evan and are very proud of all that he has accomplished!”